4 Panthers Fans Will Be Happy to See Leave in Free Agency

S Jordan Fuller

Unfortunately for the Panthers, the defensive line is far from the only weakness on the team. The backfield defense also left plenty to be desired. Among the most disappointing players on the secondary was safety Jordan Fuller.

After spending the first four seasons of his career with the Los Angeles Rams, Fuller signed a one-year contract with the Panthers in the offseason. This reunited him with his former coach and current Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero.

Playing under a familiar face, however, didn't help Fuller in Carolina. The 26-year-old defender had the worst season of his career, allowing an 80% completion rate and a 151 passer rating when targeted. He missed five tackles and allowed five touchdowns in coverage. On PFF, he is ranked as one of the worst safeties this season, with a 52.2 defensive grade.

Fuller landed on the injured reserve with a hamstring injury during the season. He ended up missing six games, making it hard for him to establish a rhythm. Hamstrings are notably tricky to come back from and this may have sapped his athleticism and explosiveness upon his return.

As a result, Fuller was benched starting Week 16 in favor of undrafted free agent Demani Richardson. This likely signals that Fuller's time in Carolina may be over.

There could be an argument to bring back a competent veteran if he can be signed to a team-friendly, one-year deal. However, the Panthers can presumably find a younger player with a higher upside in the draft.

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